The Association of Directors of Geriatric Academic Programs, in collaboration with Boston University, has conducted a national dissemination of Boston University Medical Center's (BUMC) successful Chief Resident Immersion Training (CRIT) Program in the Care of Older Adults. The CRIT program at Boston University was developed with funding from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. The program focuses on providing chief residents with a combination of training focused on improving Chief Residents' understanding of geriatric principles and their leadership and teaching skills. We focus on Chief Residents because of the key roles that they play in the quality of patient care, medical student and resident training, mediating between faculty, nursing staff, and residents, and communicating with patients and families.

The CRIT program fosters collaboration among disciplines in the management of complex older patients. Program participants include both Chief Residents and faculty responsible for residency training in surgical and medical specialties. The program brings these individuals together for an intensive two and a half day retreat focused on: